Post by Dionysus on Jun 23, 2024 19:40:30 GMT
Thirty applicants.
Thirty goddamn applicants.
And not a one of them that understands what I'm looking for in a manager.
The little rental office I was using to conduct interviews was stuffy at best and broiling at worst. I had been warned that the air conditioning was on the fritz when I first started these interviews, but I needed to step out on several occasions in order to just breathe easy.
I sighed, looking at the last application in front of me.
Jeremy Croft.
Former sports analyst for KSTP radio and a blogger primarily focusing on the local wrestling scene.
I wonder what would make him try out the management business.
I looked up from the papers and saw the man staring back at me. We both ended up shocking ourselves as we both glanced away. But I recovered quickly and waved him in, standing as I did so. "You must be Jeremy."
"Ah, yes," He stammered. "Forgive me; I wasn't sure if I should knock or just wave when you looked up."
"A little pre-interview jitters will get to everyone. Dionysus Berget," I said, holding out a hand. "I take it you want to be my manager?"
He took my hand, gripping it firmly as we shook. "Absolutely. I've waited for an opportunity like this for a long time!"
"Really now?" I inquired, gesturing to the seat in front of me. As I sat down, I continued, "I would think you would have your pick of the litter, what with the cities being a highly saturated talent pool."
"Well true, what with F1rst Wrestling and MIW and whatnot," Jeremy replied. "But what I'm after can't be found in the local scene, unfortunately."
"Oh?" I acknowledged. He did seem knowledgeable of at least the two largest local promotions. A good sign. "And what made you interested in my posting?"
"Truth be told," Jeremy explained, "I'm a fan of the local favorites. Anytime one of our own is seen in a spot of prominence, I can't help but get excited for them. And out of any of them, you have my kind of style. I mean, really; your heart-wrenching time in Cambodia during The Triad? The most spectacular run of 2023 you've ever had in your career?"
"So far," I interjected.
"Right, of course," Jeremy corrected himself. "So if I can do anything to help support you, that's what I'm aiming to do."
"Well so far you're saying the right things," I commented, "But why professional wrestling management?"
Jeremy shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "If that's alright with you, Mr..."
"Dio is fine," I assured.
"Fair enough...Dio," Jeremy tried out the nickname, then, after accepting it for himself, continued on, "If it is alright with you, I'd rather not go into a lot of details. Put simply, my sibling is an aspiring wrestler whom I have helped with getting local bookings. I know a few people here and there that can make these things happen, and I'd do anything to ensure Salem having a secure future for themselves."
"Ah, so a sense of loyalty to your family, then?"
"Absolutely. However, on the larger stage, I'm not too familiar with the ins and outs and the whose who. A foot in the door will help wonders."
"I appreciate the honesty," I interjected, "But will your work with...Salem, right? Will you working with Salem impact your work with me?"
"I highly doubt it," Jeremy argued, "Salem is all too familiar with the contacts I know, so rest assured you can expect my full focus and attention."
I nodded. So far this guy is on the up-and-up. "Very well, lets talk details; you are familiar with NPWA, correct?"
"Yes, the newest promotion under Spencer Adams, correct?"
"Indeed so. I want you to look at this," I slid the match card over to him. "I would like for the two of us to go over my match in particular; a tag match with myself and Jessie Lee verses Tony Savage and Frank Venable."
Jeremy skimmed over the card. "Sounds like you have a few familiar faces to work with here."
"Yes, I believe Savage is the only one I haven't had the pleasure of meeting int he ring."
"Well decorated, if memory serves me well," Jeremy added. "Multiple time champion, golden glove winner, and boasting an impressive win/loss record over the course of his career."
"Doesn't seem like he's had many matches, has he?"
"Not that I can see, but he sure has made them count."
"And what are your thoughts on Frank?"
"His partner?" Jeremy paused in thought. "Him I'm not entirely sure of."
"Ah, well then I can educate you," I chimed in. "Frank and I go way back to our days in WCF. He was part of The Brotherhood until it was dissolved. We parted ways but stayed in touch, and it seems I can never go too long without him crossing my path once again."
"So would that make you two..."
"Friendly rivals, to say the least," I finished. "Frank has done reasonably well in tag team scenarios, but I have a feeling that Savage will do everything in his power to ensure he can carry the team to victory. Not the most ideal scenario, especially in the event that this becomes a tornado tag situation."
"Do you feel that Savage could leave Frank in the cold to attempt to take you and Jessie on his own?"
"This is the inaugural card for NPWA, after all," I interjected. "We are all going to do everything in our power to look our absolute best. I could easily see egos getting the best of anyone and everyone, and that self-assured nature is what is going to cause a lot of unhappiness after week one."
"But not you?" Jeremy said. "Forgive me for being too forward, but it doesn't seem like that is an issue for you. You're not really the go-getter type, if memory-"
I gave Jeremy a look that made him stammer into silence. "You're right," I finally said. "It really isn't a secret that I have a reputation of being a choke artist. I've had my fair share of opportunities whether they were earned or handed to me out of pity, that I have inevitably squandered."
"But you've had an impressive run of late!"
"True, but you know how these things go," I explained. "No amount of current success will matter to people who view you as inferior. 'Oh, you were lucky.' 'Oh, you're not as good as you say you are.' It is the same drivel that has plagued my career for years."
Jeremy thought to himself about what I said. "Then if you don't mind me asking...why are you in NPWA?"
"Simple," I stated matter-of-factly. "It is a fresh start. For all of us." I stood up from the desk and walked over to the window, looking out at the local traffic passing by. "Records, title, accolades...they can only mean so much on day one. Sure, they helped when it came to draft day, ensuring people could secure their desired placement and get the recognition they deserve. But for me? I never cared where I ended up. I could've been first. I could've been Mr. Irrelevant. But it all means nothing in the end; just that I am simply in the Western Conference is all the assurance I need." I looked back at Jeremy. "Because of my reputation, I have a much harder battle to fight than most. There is something to be said of being self-assured to a fault. I am self-assured with realism. I am fully aware that there are people better than I am. Hell, I'm not even the best wrestler in this match, let alone this conference."
"So why be in NPWA?"
"To prove that I am just as good as the rest of them, with their titles and accolades. To show the world that Dionysus is a name synonymous with workhorse. To make sure that every win is well-fought and well-earned, and that every loss, should it come to that, leaves no doubt that my absolute best was given." Jeremy stood as I said those words, and I walked over to him and placed both hands on his shoulders. "Jeremy, if you are to be my manager, there is one goal that I have in mind. Do you know what that goal is?"
Jeremy looked back at me, a gaze of determination in his eyes. "You're here to prove to the rest of NPWA what you can do."
I nodded. "Not just NPWA. I'm here to prove to the world that Dionysus is not someone you can just sleep on." I patted Jeremy on the shoulder, walking back over to my seat. "Frank has learned that lesson several times over. Savage will come to know this as well." I gave Jeremy a sly grin. "Well? Does that sound like something you want to be on board with?"
Jeremy held out his hand, returning my smile with one of his own. "I believe in your determination, and if you would have me, I will do everything in my power to let the world know of your greatness."
I accepted the handshake. "In that case, you're hired."
"Excellent; now I wanted to run by you the idea of having sponsors. Surely you've had a few in your time, yes? We should work on reconnecting yourself to whomever previously sponsored you. It would only be beneficial to your portfolio."
"But Jeremy...who would want to have me as their spokesperson?"
"You just leave that to me."
Thirty goddamn applicants.
And not a one of them that understands what I'm looking for in a manager.
The little rental office I was using to conduct interviews was stuffy at best and broiling at worst. I had been warned that the air conditioning was on the fritz when I first started these interviews, but I needed to step out on several occasions in order to just breathe easy.
I sighed, looking at the last application in front of me.
Jeremy Croft.
Former sports analyst for KSTP radio and a blogger primarily focusing on the local wrestling scene.
I wonder what would make him try out the management business.
I looked up from the papers and saw the man staring back at me. We both ended up shocking ourselves as we both glanced away. But I recovered quickly and waved him in, standing as I did so. "You must be Jeremy."
"Ah, yes," He stammered. "Forgive me; I wasn't sure if I should knock or just wave when you looked up."
"A little pre-interview jitters will get to everyone. Dionysus Berget," I said, holding out a hand. "I take it you want to be my manager?"
He took my hand, gripping it firmly as we shook. "Absolutely. I've waited for an opportunity like this for a long time!"
"Really now?" I inquired, gesturing to the seat in front of me. As I sat down, I continued, "I would think you would have your pick of the litter, what with the cities being a highly saturated talent pool."
"Well true, what with F1rst Wrestling and MIW and whatnot," Jeremy replied. "But what I'm after can't be found in the local scene, unfortunately."
"Oh?" I acknowledged. He did seem knowledgeable of at least the two largest local promotions. A good sign. "And what made you interested in my posting?"
"Truth be told," Jeremy explained, "I'm a fan of the local favorites. Anytime one of our own is seen in a spot of prominence, I can't help but get excited for them. And out of any of them, you have my kind of style. I mean, really; your heart-wrenching time in Cambodia during The Triad? The most spectacular run of 2023 you've ever had in your career?"
"So far," I interjected.
"Right, of course," Jeremy corrected himself. "So if I can do anything to help support you, that's what I'm aiming to do."
"Well so far you're saying the right things," I commented, "But why professional wrestling management?"
Jeremy shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "If that's alright with you, Mr..."
"Dio is fine," I assured.
"Fair enough...Dio," Jeremy tried out the nickname, then, after accepting it for himself, continued on, "If it is alright with you, I'd rather not go into a lot of details. Put simply, my sibling is an aspiring wrestler whom I have helped with getting local bookings. I know a few people here and there that can make these things happen, and I'd do anything to ensure Salem having a secure future for themselves."
"Ah, so a sense of loyalty to your family, then?"
"Absolutely. However, on the larger stage, I'm not too familiar with the ins and outs and the whose who. A foot in the door will help wonders."
"I appreciate the honesty," I interjected, "But will your work with...Salem, right? Will you working with Salem impact your work with me?"
"I highly doubt it," Jeremy argued, "Salem is all too familiar with the contacts I know, so rest assured you can expect my full focus and attention."
I nodded. So far this guy is on the up-and-up. "Very well, lets talk details; you are familiar with NPWA, correct?"
"Yes, the newest promotion under Spencer Adams, correct?"
"Indeed so. I want you to look at this," I slid the match card over to him. "I would like for the two of us to go over my match in particular; a tag match with myself and Jessie Lee verses Tony Savage and Frank Venable."
Jeremy skimmed over the card. "Sounds like you have a few familiar faces to work with here."
"Yes, I believe Savage is the only one I haven't had the pleasure of meeting int he ring."
"Well decorated, if memory serves me well," Jeremy added. "Multiple time champion, golden glove winner, and boasting an impressive win/loss record over the course of his career."
"Doesn't seem like he's had many matches, has he?"
"Not that I can see, but he sure has made them count."
"And what are your thoughts on Frank?"
"His partner?" Jeremy paused in thought. "Him I'm not entirely sure of."
"Ah, well then I can educate you," I chimed in. "Frank and I go way back to our days in WCF. He was part of The Brotherhood until it was dissolved. We parted ways but stayed in touch, and it seems I can never go too long without him crossing my path once again."
"So would that make you two..."
"Friendly rivals, to say the least," I finished. "Frank has done reasonably well in tag team scenarios, but I have a feeling that Savage will do everything in his power to ensure he can carry the team to victory. Not the most ideal scenario, especially in the event that this becomes a tornado tag situation."
"Do you feel that Savage could leave Frank in the cold to attempt to take you and Jessie on his own?"
"This is the inaugural card for NPWA, after all," I interjected. "We are all going to do everything in our power to look our absolute best. I could easily see egos getting the best of anyone and everyone, and that self-assured nature is what is going to cause a lot of unhappiness after week one."
"But not you?" Jeremy said. "Forgive me for being too forward, but it doesn't seem like that is an issue for you. You're not really the go-getter type, if memory-"
I gave Jeremy a look that made him stammer into silence. "You're right," I finally said. "It really isn't a secret that I have a reputation of being a choke artist. I've had my fair share of opportunities whether they were earned or handed to me out of pity, that I have inevitably squandered."
"But you've had an impressive run of late!"
"True, but you know how these things go," I explained. "No amount of current success will matter to people who view you as inferior. 'Oh, you were lucky.' 'Oh, you're not as good as you say you are.' It is the same drivel that has plagued my career for years."
Jeremy thought to himself about what I said. "Then if you don't mind me asking...why are you in NPWA?"
"Simple," I stated matter-of-factly. "It is a fresh start. For all of us." I stood up from the desk and walked over to the window, looking out at the local traffic passing by. "Records, title, accolades...they can only mean so much on day one. Sure, they helped when it came to draft day, ensuring people could secure their desired placement and get the recognition they deserve. But for me? I never cared where I ended up. I could've been first. I could've been Mr. Irrelevant. But it all means nothing in the end; just that I am simply in the Western Conference is all the assurance I need." I looked back at Jeremy. "Because of my reputation, I have a much harder battle to fight than most. There is something to be said of being self-assured to a fault. I am self-assured with realism. I am fully aware that there are people better than I am. Hell, I'm not even the best wrestler in this match, let alone this conference."
"So why be in NPWA?"
"To prove that I am just as good as the rest of them, with their titles and accolades. To show the world that Dionysus is a name synonymous with workhorse. To make sure that every win is well-fought and well-earned, and that every loss, should it come to that, leaves no doubt that my absolute best was given." Jeremy stood as I said those words, and I walked over to him and placed both hands on his shoulders. "Jeremy, if you are to be my manager, there is one goal that I have in mind. Do you know what that goal is?"
Jeremy looked back at me, a gaze of determination in his eyes. "You're here to prove to the rest of NPWA what you can do."
I nodded. "Not just NPWA. I'm here to prove to the world that Dionysus is not someone you can just sleep on." I patted Jeremy on the shoulder, walking back over to my seat. "Frank has learned that lesson several times over. Savage will come to know this as well." I gave Jeremy a sly grin. "Well? Does that sound like something you want to be on board with?"
Jeremy held out his hand, returning my smile with one of his own. "I believe in your determination, and if you would have me, I will do everything in my power to let the world know of your greatness."
I accepted the handshake. "In that case, you're hired."
"Excellent; now I wanted to run by you the idea of having sponsors. Surely you've had a few in your time, yes? We should work on reconnecting yourself to whomever previously sponsored you. It would only be beneficial to your portfolio."
"But Jeremy...who would want to have me as their spokesperson?"
"You just leave that to me."
